Pakistan will face a herculean task when they take on Sri Lanka in a crucial Super 8s clash at the Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday. However, there is one more twist in Pakistan’s fortunes – the weather. England did them a huge favor on Friday by beating New Zealand and denying the Kiwis a clear path to elimination. Pakistan now has its destiny in its own hands. New Zealand are currently second in Group 2 with three points and a healthy net rate of +1.390. Meanwhile, Pakistan have a single point after two matches (NRR: -0.461).
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To overtake New Zealand, Pakistan need to either beat Sri Lanka by around 64 runs or chase down the target by around 13.1 overs (assuming a target of 160 runs).
PAK vs SL T20 World Cup Super 8s: But what if the rain hits?
The equation is simple: failure in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash would see New Zealand advance to the semi-finals. Pakistan got their only point in the Super 8s after their previous match against New Zealand was lost, but another rain-affected game would see them to just two points – still short of New Zealand’s tally.Currently, the Group 2 Super 8 points table is as follows:England – 6 points, 3 games, NRR +1.096New Zealand – 3 points, 3 games, NRR +1.390Pakistan – 1 point, 2 games, NRR -0.461Mr Lanka – 0 points, 2 games, NRR -2.800According to AccuWeather, there is only a one percent chance of rain in Pallekele on Saturday with temperatures ranging from 19-26 degrees Celsius.If Pakistan manage to qualify, the first semi-final will be played in Colombo. If New Zealand advance, the match will move to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
PAK vs SL in T20Is: STAT ATTACK
Pakistan are 17-12 in T20Is against Sri Lanka and hold a 4-2 lead in the encounters since 2025, but this Super 8s match could very well depend on the weather.Sri Lanka Team: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kusal Perera, Pramodyan Madushan, JanithPakistan Unit: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf
